Repolling likely in West Bengal booths where EVM tampering is confirmed: Report

Following reports of alleged foul play in the final stage of the West Bengal elections, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Agarwal has indicated that repolling is likely for booths where EVMs are found to have been tampered with.

The move comes after the BJP alleged that party symbols on voting machines were obscured with ink or tape in specific locations, including the Falta assembly seat. BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya bolstered these claims by sharing video evidence on social media. While the Commission is currently verifying the authenticity of these reports, Agarwal clarified that decisions would be based on formal assessments from district officers and observers.

"We will review the complaints regarding the fixing of black or white tapes on EVMs and then consider whether repolling is required or not," Agarwal told reporters.

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The CEO noted that if investigations confirm that EVM symbols were tampered with using tapes or ink blots, the Commission is prepared to take decisive action before the counting process begins.
"If a large number of booths in any assembly constituency report such instances of tape being affixed, then re-polling may be conducted across the entire constituency," the official added.

The Commission expects to finalise the schedule for any necessary repolls by May 2, ensuring that the integrity of the 77 reported cases of tampering is addressed before the final results are tallied. (PTI)